export · Apple Photos MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What export does on Apple Photos

AI agents use export to create or update resources in Apple Photos — usually the action step of a workflow, after the agent has gathered context. Every call changes real data in your Apple Photos environment.

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why export needs a policy

This tool copies data (photos) from the Photos library to arbitrary disk locations specified by the user. This is a Write operation: it creates new files on the filesystem and is reversible (exported files can be deleted). Not Destructive because it doesn't delete or modify the original Photos library. Not Execute because it doesn't run arbitrary commands, though it does have broad impact on the filesystem.

From the tool's definition export - exports photos to a destination directory on disk; user specifies UUIDs, destination path, and options (edited, live, raw). Creates files on the filesystem.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

export Rate-limited

export stays usable, but capped — an agent stuck in a loop can't make hundreds of changes a minute. Everything else on the server is denied unless you say otherwise.

View as policy code

policy.json

{
  "version": "1",
  "default": "deny",
  "tools": {
    "export": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "export_rate",
          "window": "minute",
          "max": 30,
          "scope": "grant"
        }
      ]
    }
  }
}

LIMIT THIS TOOL →

Instant setup, no code required.

PolicyLayer is an MCP gateway: every tool call is checked against your rule before it reaches Apple Photos, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about export

What does the export tool do? +

Use when: you want to copy one or more photos (by UUID, typically from query) out to a destination directory on disk. By default exports the original; set edited=true for the edited version, live=true to also include the live-photo video, raw=true to also include the raw image.\n. It is categorised as a Write tool in the Apple Photos MCP Server, which means it can create or modify data. Consider rate limits to prevent runaway writes.

How do I enforce a policy on export? +

Register the Apple Photos MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for export: allow, deny, rate-limit, or require approval. Point your MCP client at the PolicyLayer proxy URL and the rule is enforced on every call, before it reaches Apple Photos. Nothing to install.

What risk level is export? +

export is a Write tool with medium risk. Write tools should be rate-limited to prevent accidental bulk modifications.

Can I rate-limit export? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the export rule in your PolicyLayer policy. For example, setting max: 10 and window: 60 limits the tool to 10 calls per minute. Rate limits are tracked per agent session and reset automatically.

How do I block export completely? +

Set action: deny in the PolicyLayer policy for export. The AI agent will receive a policy violation error and cannot call the tool. You can also include a reason field to explain why the tool is blocked.

What MCP server provides export? +

export is provided by the Apple Photos MCP server (sweetrb/apple-photos-mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.